Chapter 9: A New Beginning

            Vegetasei appeared on the mountain right in front of Gohan.

            “Well done, my little Saiyan. Now the time has come for you to return to Chikyuu…but there’s something of a problem,” Vegetasei said.

            “What?” Gohan asked, concerned.

            They were suddenly in the Amethyst Cave.

            “Gohan, do you know why I had the pendant you gave Bardock?” Vegetasei asked.

            “No, of course not,” Gohan said.

            “Then I’ll tell you.

            “When Bardock was young, he came here and drank the water at my request. He only did it because he asked for something in return. He and his wife Romayna wanted a child that was strong…stronger than any other Saiyan would ever be. I gave him this wish, because I knew that Goku, or Kakarott, would be this child. Romayna carried Kakarott longer than most Saiyan women do before putting them into their training pods, therefore the child grew attached. They sent him on the purging mission to prevent anything other attachment. Bardock was grateful, though, for a child, though he was not strong at the time. He Saw what was going to happen to Goku, so he gave me the pendant as a thank you. I kept it.”

            Gohan remained silent even after the story was over. He stared into Vegetasei’s sad eyes. She seemed to be very sad all the time…

            “Gohan, I want you to drink from the pool. Please, do not ask for anything in return, for I am weary and cannot do much. Just drink,” Vegetasei said.

            Gohan nodded and approached the purple water. He put his hand in and got some water. He sipped it from his hand and then fell unconscious.

            He woke up only moments later. He felt strong…very strong. He felt as though he could hold up a million planets with one finger.

            “What—“

            “You’re hidden powers were awakened. That’s the secret of the pool. It gives you powers never before seen…but there’s a catch. The power must be within you already. Bardock was a very perceptive young man when he put his mind to it. The pool just enhanced this to a new level. This is the same with your strength. You won’t need to become Super-Saiyan. You are now beyond that.”

            Gohan nodded.

            “It’s time to go home Gohan. But there is something about Chikyuu now that is wrong,” Vegetasei said.

            “What?” Gohan asked.

            “It is in ruin, my young Saiyan. A creature named Cell has taken over, enslaving all the people and forcing them to work and such. Your family and friends have been enslaved…your father has been killed. Gohan, you are the only one able to save Chikyuu!”

            “Then I have to go now! Please, let—“

            “Gohan,” Vegetasei whispered, her hand up as indication of silence.

            Gohan stopped talking and looked at the spirit of Vegetasei.

            “Once you find Chikyuu, look for the girl. Look into the pool, Gohan, and see this girl. When you meet her, keep her close to you. She is your strength. Without her, your powers are useless,” Vegetasei said.

            Gohan looked into the pool and saw a girl, sitting in a dark corner with tears on her face. Gohan looked into the pool, his own eyes watering at this sight, and his tears fell into the pool.

            Vegetasei gasped, “Your tears turned the water…blue…”

            “What does that mean?” Gohan asked.

            “Good things…but…” Vegetasei began.

            “What’s wrong?” Gohan asked.

            “Back away from the pool, Gohan. It is time to go,” Vegetasei said.

            Gohan nodded.

            “Good luck, little Saiyan…Good luck,” Vegetasei whispered.

            Gohan was transported into the room he saw in the pool. In the corner was the girl from the scene. She looked up at Gohan and smiled.

            “I knew you’d come. I knew,” she said, and fell unconscious.